{"title":"Canning \u0026 Freezing","description":"\u003cp\u003eFruit that holds its texture, color and flavor in jars or the freezer. Everything here scored 6 or higher out of 10. Follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation's directions for your fruit, and note that white-flesh peaches are for freezing, not canning.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"3rd-and-myrtle-apricot","title":"3rd and Myrtle Apricot (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLook how orange those apricots are from the mother tree — no filter on the photo! These are seedlings from a very tasty, 40-year-old tree growing in Missoula, Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred for Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese seedlings have been specifically selected for cold hardiness using Luke’s “Antifreeze Protein Selection” method. This process involves:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold stratifying seeds by deliberately freezing and thawing them\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlanting only the seeds that survive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExposing young trees (in pots) to natural freezing and thawing conditions without protection the following winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis 2-year process mimics the natural resistance found in native species like chokecherry and serviceberry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivor Stock: Zone 3 Apricots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter extensive culling at the seed and one-year juvenile stages, these apricot trees — now going into their third year — have proven to be strong survivors. Their roots have withstood temperatures of -25°F or colder without any protection, making them ideal for colder climates. We are confidently listing these as Zone 3 hardy apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor: Mellow sweetness that comes on later, with a sweet-tart balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUse: Excellent for fresh eating, drying, canning, and more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Color: Fruit measures approximately 1¾ inches, turning a deep, dark orange — another major bonus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMissoula is technically in USDA Zone 5, though we can see temperatures close to -30°F due to advective freezes. Our diverse, mountainous landscapes cause unpredictable early-season cold snaps (sometimes -10°F in October). We do not use controlled crosses but instead allow nature to select for resilience:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeeds are frozen and thawed during stratification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFirst-year seedlings are left unprotected over winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivors are selected for root resistance to ice recrystallization\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis method favors trees that naturally express antifreeze proteins — compounds found in many overwintering plants that inhibit the growth and recrystallization of intercellular ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis year's selection includes grafted stock from some of the best performers. So these are not seedlings, but rather grafted trees in which we used cuttings from the best performing seedlings.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124629463106,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45124629495874,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot-fruit-on-tree.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"ac-wendy-strawberry-bundle-of-25-ywnwr","title":"AC Wendy Strawberry (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAC Wendy was developed by the Kentville Research Station in Nova Scotia. The strawberry is wedge-shaped to conic, with firm, bright red flesh of good quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRich, Sweet-Tart Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIt has a rich, sweet-tart strawberry flavor with a hint of raspberry—firm on the outside and buttery on the inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEarly to Produce\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are the first to come on in Missoula, bearing as early as mid-June.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy with Winter Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 3, but be sure to mulch over in winter for extra protection. Plant with Annapolis for better pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHow They're Sold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese strawberries are sold bare root in the spring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472432959554,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ac-wendy-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"anne-yellow-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Anne Yellow Raspberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis sunshine-colored raspberry is unlike any other. With hints of apricot and peach, these large, sweet, firm berries are perfect for tarts, jams, and salads—and they freeze well too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEverbearing \u0026amp; Productive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAnne raspberries produce fruit their first year. They’re everbearing, meaning you’ll get a summer crop in July on their floricanes, followed by a second crop on their fall primocanes from September through frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Reliable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSelf-pollinating and cold hardy to Zone 3, Anne won’t let you down. We don’t yet have experience growing them in Zone 2, but if you’re in an area that sees -30°F to -40°F, give it a shot! One of our favorites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBig Plants with Big Roots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is the biggest size we’ve grown yet. These aren’t cell packs or tissue culture starts—they’re divisions from large mother plants, cut and then grown on their own for two years. The result? Very large root systems, ready to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472433123394,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/anne-yellow-raspberry-on-cane.webp?v=1789019154"},{"product_id":"asparagus-bundle-of-5","title":"Asparagus (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe are offering three of our best performing asparagus in Montana—Mary Washington, Millenium, and Purple Passion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMary Washington\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA classic heirloom variety known for its reliable yields and resistance to rust. Hardy and well-suited for zones 3–8 (even zone 2 if properly covered in 1 ft of straw or wood mulch).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eJersey Knight\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA top-performing, all-male hybrid known for its high yields and disease resistance. Produces thick, tender, flavorful spears with excellent cold hardiness and tolerance to rust, crown rot, and fusarium. Vigorous and dependable, it thrives in a wide range of climates and is ideal for northern growers seeking a long-lived, productive asparagus patch. Hardy to zone 3 or even zone 2 if properly covered in mulch over the winter (1 ft of straw or wood mulch).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePurple Passion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis vibrant purple asparagus is tender, sweet, and less fibrous than green varieties,. Excellent for fresh eating. The others steam better though in our experience. Hardy in zones 3–8, it performs well in most soils. Can be grown in zone 2 like the others if properly covered with 1 ft of straw or wood mulch over the winter.The color is striking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mary Washington","offer_id":42498792063042,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Jersey Knight","offer_id":42498792095810,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Purple Passion","offer_id":42498792128578,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/asparagus-green-spear.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"bartlett-pear","title":"Bartlett Pear","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe most widely grown pear in the world, Bartlett doesn’t need much of an introduction. Its taste has stood the test of time—and its trees have too, at least sometimes. One Bartlett reportedly withstood -41°F in Minnesota, although we think that may have been an anomaly (maybe due to this tree's deep soils and perhaps good airflow). We’ve also seen Bartlett perish in its second year after hitting -38°F in Fortine, MT on 1\/13\/24.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor, History \u0026amp; Growth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFirst grown in 1797, Bartlett’s sweet and juicy flavor has made it a favorite for centuries—especially when left to ripen on the tree, which most commercial Bartletts never get the chance to do. It’s also notoriously fast-growing, which means you won’t be waiting as long for your first harvest compared to other pear varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Site Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf you’re cramped on space, Bartlett is partially self-fertile and can be planted on its own—though, as with most fruit trees, you’ll get more fruit with a partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold hardy to -35°F, Bartlett should do well in most of the warmer valleys in Western Montana (Missoula, Bitterroot, Flathead, Mission), but it’s probably not hardy enough for Eastern MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto OHxF87 and are available in several sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42539489558594,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42539489591362,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bartlett-pear-harvest.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"ben-lomand-black-currant-bundle-of-2","title":"Ben Lomand Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis is our second year growing Ben Lomond currants, and we were actually able to taste the fruit already. The fruit is quite good—perhaps the sweetest of all black currants we’ve ever tried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor Comparison \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese will be far less sweet than the Montana Black Currants, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, we’ve heard from some of our customers that Montana Black Currants make the \u003cem\u003ebest\u003c\/em\u003e jam. These would complement them quite well—or they could simply be purchased on their own—thanks to their nice, large, sweet berries. They’d likely be great in baked goods, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Plant Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to -50°F, these Ben Lomond currants are roughly 1–2 feet tall and very well rooted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required) and New York (prohibited outside designated fruiting-currant districts unless the cultivar is certified rust-resistant). Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"6-12\"","offer_id":42547414106178,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547414138946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42547414171714,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ben-lomand-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"blushingstar-peach","title":"Blushingstar Peach","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardy down to zone 4b, this beautiful red- and white-skinned peach has the same cold hardiness as Blushingstar, PF-24C, and Reliance. A heavy-bearing freestone peach, Blushingstar does not brown when cut, which makes it great for serving fresh (like in salads), but also excellent for canning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eAs with all peaches (and nectarines), even though they’re self-fertile, they perform best when planted with a partner. Any of our other peach varieties would work fine for pollination. Freestone. Hardy to zone 4, as they have survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT PLANT\u003c\/strong\u003e if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -30°F. None of the peaches—except for Contender (-33°F) and Siberian Peach (-38°F)—can survive sub -30°F temperatures in our experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eTrees are 5–7 ft tall and grafted onto Lovell full size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498929459266,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/blushingstar-peach-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"boyne-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Boyne Raspberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBoyne is another excellent Zone 2 raspberry. We’ve seen it growing here in Montana in places where very few other raspberries would survive. Boyne, Nova, and Polana are the most cold-hardy varieties we know of—not only surviving in places like Cut Bank (one of the harshest climates in the state, and also where some of our family homesteaded!), but also producing superb flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWinter Tip for Extreme Cold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOne thing we recommend for anyone who might see sub -40°F temps in the winter: lie the canes down on the ground and mulch over them. Just know that you’ll definitely need to give them a support structure come spring—after spending the whole winter under mulch, they’ll have a hard time standing up on their own. But that extra layer of protection can make all the difference if you’re unsure how cold it’s going to get. Sometimes, in the coldest parts of the state, we’ll go years without seeing -50°F—and then the polar vortex dips south, and boom, severe frost!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e2027 Plant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur 2027 Boyne raspberry plants are large, well-established raspberries with extensive root systems—ready to thrive in tough conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434499650,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/boyne-raspberry-on-cane.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"brandywine-purple-raspberry-bundle-of-5-s385a","title":"Brandywine Purple Raspberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBrandywine is a true purple raspberry—a rare hybrid between red and black raspberries—and it really stands out for its flavor and color. While it might not be on every gardener’s radar, those who grow it tend to become loyal fans, especially if they’re into making jam, jelly, or homemade wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe berries are large, soft, and packed with tart, full flavor. When baked into pies or cakes, that deep purple color fades to a bright red, making it just as beautiful in the kitchen as it is on the vine. Brandywine also has a reputation among home brewers and fermenters for its excellent performance in fruit wines and liqueurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowing Tips and Considerations\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the nice things about Brandywine is that it doesn’t take over your garden the way some raspberries can. It tends to stay put once planted, which makes maintenance a bit easier. The canes do have thorns, but they’re more widely spaced and larger than those on most red raspberries, so pruning and picking aren’t too much of a hassle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIt’s a tough and adaptable plant, generally insect resistant and reliable in a range of climates. It grows best in Zones 4–8, though if you’re in Zone 3, you might see a little winter dieback—something to keep in mind if you’re gardening in colder parts of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBerry Texture: Soft and juicy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFlavor: Tart, complex, and full\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBest Uses: Fresh eating, jam, baking, wine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardiness: Zones 4–8 (possibly Zone 3 with protection)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Upright, with moderate spread\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434532418,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/brandywine-purple-raspberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"cavendish-bundle-of-25-kcd3x","title":"Cavendish Strawberry (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCavendish has performed very well and overwintered successfully in Montana. One of the hardiest of strawberries, it has done particularly well in Cut Bank—one of the coldest, windiest, and driest places in Montana, where our family homesteaded (spending the first year in a sod house!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWinter Care Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhile these strawberries are quite hardy, it's still a good idea to mulch over them in the fall. Expect them to thrive in areas where other strawberries have difficulty overwintering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMedium to Large Berries with Great Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe berries are medium to large in size, offering a great sweet\/tart (more subacid) fruity flavor. Solid Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfect for Mid-Summer Harvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are great mid-summer strawberries. If you have the space, plant with \u003cstrong\u003eHoneoye\u003c\/strong\u003e for better pollination. While not absolutely required to get a yield, planting strawberries in pairs has been shown to increase production.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434761794,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/cavendish-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChestnut, developed by the University of Minnesota, is technically an applecrab—50% apple and 50% crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parentage of Chestnut is a cross between Siberian Crab and Malinda, released by the University of Minnesota in 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut don’t let the “crabapple” part fool you. Hand this to someone who thinks crabapples are too tart or ornamental, and you’ll likely make a believer out of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the sweetest applecrabs we’ve tried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2023 (Kalispell orchard), we noted hints of bubblegum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2024 (WARC field day), the flavor shifted to nutty, mellow, sweet, and less acidic. Super yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens 1–2 weeks before Kerr, making it a perfect complementary variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something intense and tangy? Go with Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something smooth, sweet, and nutty? Get Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens early: 1st–2nd week of September in western Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but also works in sauces or ciders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStores decently for a crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for Zone 2 and possibly colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly enough to ripen even in parts of Alaska\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Chestnut applecrabs are grafted onto Bud 118, hardy to -50 F or more, and M26, which is less hardy (to -40F) and a little less dwarfing. If buying Chestnut on M26 and you can experience sub -40F, then bury the graft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498963603522,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498963701826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"chicago-hardy-fig-bundle-of-2","title":"Chicago Hardy Fig (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn Montana, Chicago Hardy figs will need to be:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBrought indoors for the winter (a basement works well)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOr protected through other means like burying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMost growers here simply store them inside for half the year, starting around September, and enjoy growing them during the warmer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize: Medium to large, about the size of a golf ball\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlesh: Thick, sweet, strawberry-pink pulp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkin: Very thin and fully edible\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA tasty, rich fig that’s enjoyable fresh off the tree\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 6–7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eNot winter-hardy in Montana without protection (burying in the ground) or bringing in. In some mild parts of the state, there may even be winters where it doesn't die back, and if it does, it likely won't kill the roots, in which case if the root system is established, since Figs bear fruit on current season's wood, you'd still get fruit on the shoots that emerged after winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize at sale: Approximately 6–12 inches tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCompact and easy to manage in containers or small spaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472434860098,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chicago-hardy-fig-fruit-cut.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"consort-black-currant","title":"Consort Black Currant (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsort black currants are sweet with slight acidity and a nice fruity flavor. These are slightly more tart than the Ben Lomand black currants which are quite sweet, certainly more so than the Montana Black. Hardy to -50F. Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 2027 Consort black currants are on average 1-2 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBlack currants (\u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e and its hybrids) are an alternate host for white pine blister rust. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required). Consort is a rust-immune cultivar, which may qualify it for the resistant-cultivar exemption under New York law — New York buyers should confirm with NYSDAM before ordering. Several other states restrict planting only within specific counties or townships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42547463651394,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/consort-black-currant-fruit.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"contender-peach","title":"Contender Peach","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eContender is one of the more consistent-bearing and cold-hardy varieties of peach grown in Montana. We would rank Contender right behind Siberian C in terms of hardiness (although still a decent bit less hardy than Siberian C which we would put around -38F), as this is the only commercial cultivar that has survived temperatures in the -30s (specifically, -32°F). It also has excellent flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTaste notes from our 2022 company tasting of Forbidden Fruit’s Contenders:\u003cbr\u003e“Very yellow. Texture is great. Melts in your mouth. Not fibrous. Able to crush it on your palate. Not too sweet.”\u003cbr\u003eAnother noted: “Equally sweet and tart. Not fibrous or stringy. Likes it. Skin gives it a nice touch.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFreestone. Hardy to zone 4. On top of surviving -32F, they survived our -25°F on 1\/13\/24 without any winter injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDO NOT PLANT if you are in an area that has the potential to see lower than -32°F (unless well sited to avoid frost pooling, thermal buffering features nearby such as buildings or bodies of water, lots of air drainage, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Contender trees are grafted onto semi-dwarf Krymsk 86, Prairie Red Plum, Native Plum, and Manchurian apricot rootstock, the former of which will make for a 15 ft tree at maturity, and the latter three roughly 20 ft., respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498995486786,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498995519554,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft.","offer_id":45125081595970,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125081628738,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Krymsk 86 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125081661506,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/contender-peach-in-hand.webp?v=1789019810"},{"product_id":"danube-cherry","title":"Danube Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDanube Cherry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOne of Hungary’s favorites, this self-fertile tart cherry is one of our hardiest (ever so slightly less hardy than Meteor, though). For those in the colder half of zone 3 (zone 3a) who don’t want to risk it with Gold cherry, go with Danube. Its tartness isn’t as strong as Montmorency’s, as the juicy, glossy dark-red fruits have a bursting sweet-tart flavor. With a spreading growth habit, Danube cherries are very heavy-bearing and make for better quality pies than Montmorency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSpring 2027 Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have Danube on two rootstocks. Our Mahaleb semi-standard trees are one year older and come in 1-2 ft., 2-3 ft. and 3-4 ft. sizes. We also have Danube on Mazzard full size in a larger, more branched 5-7 ft. grade (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Gina Dittmer under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 1-2 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009806402,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 2-3 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009839170,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 3-4 ft. (1 year older)","offer_id":42499009871938,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539751899202,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/danube-tart-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019844"},{"product_id":"hardired","title":"Hardired Nectarine","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlthough none of our nectarines are suited for true zone 4, Hardired is certainly hardier than the average nectarine. From its showy pink flowers in the spring to its sweet and tangy, creamy red fruits, you’ll think, \u003cem\u003e“I can’t believe we can grow these in Missoula!”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating—we also top it on ice cream during our hot Montana summers because the tangy, sweet skin adds a wonderful bite. Great for nectarine cobbler, too! Self-fertile. Hardy to probably only about -27°F to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Stock Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese nectarine trees are offered for Spring 2027 in 3-4 ft. and 4-6 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping) grades and are grafted onto semi-dwarf native plum rootstock. Native Plum is hardy down to -45F, and possibly even -50F., making this perhaps the hardiest rootstock for nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Sotaque under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-4 ft.","offer_id":42499214639170,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45132081856578,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hardired-nectarine-harvest.webp?v=1789020104"},{"product_id":"honeoyo-strawberry-bundle-of-25-w64ne","title":"Honeoye Strawberry (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"405\"\u003eHoneoye has arguably been the best-performing strawberry we've observed across all of Montana. They grow well west of the divide—including Missoula, the Bitterroot, the Flathead Valley, Eureka, and Libby—and east of the divide in places like Cut Bank, Bozeman, Wolf Creek (Helena), Anaconda, and Big Sandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"442\"\u003eWinter-Hardy and Easy to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"666\"\u003eNot only do they survive our harsh winters, but Honeoye also produces a good-sized berry—and they’re as easy to grow as dogwater. Hardy to Zone 2. Still, it’s best to mulch them with straw when putting them to sleep for the winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"702\"\u003eReliable Mid-Summer Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"810\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThey’ll come on mid-summer. If you have the space, plant with Cavendish for improved pollination and yield.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436924482,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeoye-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"honeyberry-bundle-of-4","title":"Honeyberry (Bundle of 4)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince we tried a fresh Aurora Honeyberry during Montana State’s Western Ag. Research Center taste testing in July of 2019, we knew we had to grow it. Aurora consistently produces large berries, is easy to harvest, and demonstrates excellent flavor. Aurora is hardy to below -50°F. That said, a friend grows them in the Yukon, where temperatures dip below -65°F! He’s not so sure of the variety, but the point is, they’re tough and very well may grow in such extremes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur pollenizer for the Aurora is Tundra, which we have found to be extremely reliable. The flavor is almost as good as Aurora, although the berry size is slightly smaller and the berries are a hint more tart. They are however, precocious and hardy. Easily hardy to at least -50F, which we must depend on in cold climates if we want Aurora to survive and do well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBundle \u0026amp; Planting Instructions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries come in a bundle of 4, 3 Aurora and 1 pollenizer, Tundra. They must be planted together for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese honeyberries are currently our larger grade and going on their fourth year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3 Year Old Larger Grade: 3 Aurora and 1 Tundra","offer_id":42611829145666,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/honeyberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"horseradish-bunde-of-2","title":"Horseradish","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best performing horseradish we have grown in Montana. Not much to say on flavor because most horseradish we have tried tastes the same. But we're no horseradish connoisseurs here. In terms of hardiness, this will survive down to at least -50F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvesting Horseradish\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHarvest can begin the following year once enough root energy has been stored. The saying growing up for us was that you can harvest Horseradish roots in any month ending in \"r\". However, the colder one is, the harder it may be to harvest the roots once the frost layer is deep, so it is best to harvest the roots in September or October if you are zone 5 or colder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBundle Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes with three healthy and good sized root cuttings. When planted, these will take off the first year and produce a good sized plant come end of the season. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3 Root Cuttings","offer_id":42547482329154,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/horseradish-plant-leaves.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"huckleberry-bundle-of-3-ggy79","title":"Huckleberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"98\" data-start=\"84\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"487\" data-start=\"99\"\u003eWe’ve been growing huckleberries for several years now, and while there are a few things to keep in mind, they can thrive outside of their native habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"489\"\u003eKey Growing Tips for Huckleberries\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"530\"\u003eFirstly, like their blueberry cousins, huckleberries do not like alkaline soil. Secondly, they have mycelium (soil fungi) dependencies, and when these needs are not met, they suffer. They also do not like direct sunlight, so it's important to amend the soil with some forest duff where huckleberries thrive (see the photo where there is moss, etc., in the pot we grow them in). Periodically adding elemental sulfur and ensuring they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight will also help them flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1048\" data-start=\"1028\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"1136\" data-start=\"1049\"\u003eHardy to Zone 3 (-40°F or more), huckleberries can handle some of the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499234922562,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/huckleberry-fruit-and-leaves.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"italian-plum","title":"Italian Plum","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"372\"\u003eOne of the most reliable European plums in Western Montana, Italian offers excellent flavor. This large, purple-skinned, freestone plum is super flavorful and very sweet when fully ripe. In Missoula, we wait until the frost gets them before harvesting, as it softens and sweetens the fruit. But don't do leave it on the tree for many consecutive evenings of frost because it will then become bland. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"394\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"505\"\u003eItalian plums can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked, making them a versatile addition to any garden or kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"545\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Zones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"546\" data-end=\"833\"\u003eA vigorous and fairly cold-hardy plum, Italian is perfect for most areas in Western Montana, unless you're in one of the colder areas (i.e. Potomac). It’s recommended for Zone 4 and it survived -25°F in Missoula on 1\/13\/24 without showing any signs of injury. Italian's limit, however, in terms of absolute extreme winter low tolerance is likely to -35°F, possibly -40°F if planted in a good area free of frost pooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"1127\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eItalian is partially self-fertile and doesn’t require a pollenizer, though it may fruit more abundantly when planted alongside varieties like President, Stanley, Mirabelle de Bitterroot, or others. It will not cross-pollinate with Asian or American plums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 4-6 ft. - One Year Older (Less Branching than 6-8 ft.) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751573327938,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping","offer_id":42499268542530,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/italian-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"jostaberry-bundle-of-3-f4ndm","title":"Jostaberry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJostaberry is a cross between black currant, the North American coastal black gooseberry, and the European gooseberry. The flavor certainly has hints of both currant and gooseberry, with a slightly stronger currant flavor. It’s definitely worth growing!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Fruiting \u0026amp; Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the first fruiting shrubs we grew, Jostaberry is hardy to at least Zone 2, making it perfect for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Jostaberries are 1–2 feet tall and have really nice fine root hairs. They’re going into their third year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eJostaberry is a black currant × gooseberry hybrid (\u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003enidigrolaria\u003c\/em\u003e), and \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust. Because several states write their quarantine to cover \u003cem\u003eRibes nigrum\u003c\/em\u003e “and its hybrids,” we \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, or West Virginia\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or local restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e New Hampshire, where ‘Jostaberry’ is on the state’s approved rust-resistant cultivar list but still requires a permit from the Division of Forests \u0026amp; Lands; Michigan and New Jersey (state permit required); and New York (restricted outside designated fruiting-currant districts). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"1-2 ft.","offer_id":42499677159490,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jostaberry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"kerr-crab","title":"Kerr Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our all-time favorites, Kerr is an applecrab (Haralson x Dolgo) bred by W.L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1938 and released in 1952. First introduced to us by Roger Joy in the summer of 2016, this variety immediately stood out. It’s Roger’s favorite, and we totally get why. It. has since become one of our go-to applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBold, complex flavor with a beautiful red skin and yellow-tinged flesh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor notes people have reported: \u003cem\u003e\"Floral, cinnamon, cherry, grape, almond, pineapple, and even hoppy\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest for fresh eating, but also makes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGorgeous rosé-colored cider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVibrant pink applesauce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn amazing addition to oatmeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStores actually fairly well for several months. Loses flavor but as of 2\/22\/26 (when this was written), we've got lots in the fridge. Again, flavor is not as strong as right off the tree, and they have become a bit mealy, but they aren't bad. However, they did not store nearly as well for us in 2025 because they were picked in the latter part of their two week window to harvest the fruit. If harvested in the earlier part of that window, they will keep significantly longer. A quick rough estimate would be that for every day one waits to harvest the tree in that window, their shelf life drops a week. It would be interesting to compare this phenomenon with other apples across the board because perhaps this holds true generally?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love it alongside Chestnut and Martha crabapples—together they make an unbeatable trio for flavor and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard in Gallatin Gateway, although it did have a little bit of limb damage at those temps (not to the trunk, though).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikely hardy to -45°F without any winter injury, whereas its limit is likely -50°F or maybe a tad colder. Look towards Centennial, Rescue, and Trailman for even hardier applecrabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42751565463618,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588627522,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133588660290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/kerr-applecrab-in-hand.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"liberty-apple","title":"Liberty Apple","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is an excellent choice for beginners and one of the best apples for Montana growers. It thrives in Rod McIver’s orchard in the colder part of Kalispell, which is a solid Zone 4. Introduced in 1978 by the NY Ag Experiment Station, Liberty is a cross between Macoun and Purdue 54-12.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is one of the few apples resistant to all the major apple diseases. It does not suffer from the scab issues or pre-harvest drop that McIntosh is known for. Its resistance comes from the Vf Malus floribunda scab-resistant gene, making Liberty an extremely easy and reliable apple to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiberty is essentially an improved McIntosh, though without the classic McIntosh aroma. We actually prefer it more than McIntosh—its flavor is excellent, balanced, and consistently good, making it a favorite among cold-climate growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of cold hardiness, we rate Liberty as being comparable to McIntosh. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F, but anything colder than that might be too much for it. If you’re in an area that regularly experiences sub -40°F temperatures, you may want to consider other, more cold-hardy apple varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Availability for Spring 2027 Fulfillment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, we have Liberty in several different grades and ages, grafted onto two different rootstocks:\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBud 118 Rootstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-dwarf hardy to -45°F or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDolgo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy to -50°F, possibly -60°F. Full size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45133866991682,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45133875937346,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42500853497922,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133866926146,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133866958914,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/liberty-apple-on-tree.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2","title":"Manchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Manchurian apricots, whose genetics trace back to Northeast Asia, are among the cold-hardiest apricots available. The original mother trees come from a particularly frigid area in North Dakota and have survived temperatures as low as -45°F, and potentially even -50°F — making these true Zone 2 apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariable but Promising Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one caveat with Manchurian apricots is flavor variability. Because these are open-pollinated seedlings, the fruit quality can differ from tree to tree:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSome fruits may lean sour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers develop sweeter notes, especially if left to fully ripen on the tree. If you're selecting for resilience over uniform flavor, these are a fantastic choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Purpose Use: Rootstock or Orchard Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese seedlings can also be used as cold-hardy rootstock for grafting more refined varieties like Westcot, Brookcot, Morden 604, other cold-adapted apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBud grafting is best done in early August.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Bundling Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile apricots are partially self-fertile, better fruit set generally occurs with some pollen diversity. Since these are genetically unique seedlings, each plant can serve as a pollenizer for the other, ensuring effective cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable as: Bundles of 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 2–3 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3-5 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500862214210,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156052205634,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/manchurian-apricot-on-tree.webp?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Mirabelle de Bitterroot Plum (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4612\" data-end=\"4626\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4948\"\u003eIf anyone has ever been to Europe and tried Mirabelle plums there, then the genetics of these plums are the most comparable, but specifically for cold-climate growers. The mother plants were discovered growing wild by Luke in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. He propagated them and named them Mirabelle de Bitterroot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4950\" data-end=\"4970\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5121\"\u003eThe plums are roughly the same size as the French Mirabelles and have a very similar sweet, jammy flavor, with some subtle notes of apricot and honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5143\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5144\" data-end=\"5351\"\u003eThese plums are hardy down to -35°F, if not even hardier. The mother trees of these roots have survived for over 60 years, enduring intense fall frosts, mid-winter lows, and the generally tough Montana cold.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42500879745090,"sku":null,"price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":42500879777858,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-5 ft.","offer_id":42500879810626,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5-6 ft. (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42500879843394,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mirabelle-de-bitterroot-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"montmorency-tart-cherry","title":"Montmorency Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"5348\"\u003eOne of the most famous tart cherries and most widely grown in the US, Montmorency is thought to have originated in the Montmorency Valley just north of Paris, where it was named after a noble family that had grown it since the 13th century. French settlers moving up the St. Lawrence River Valley toward the Great Lakes brought it to the New World around 1760, or perhaps earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5350\" data-end=\"5901\"\u003eAlthough the literature on Montmorency does not indicate why Montmorency was imported from Europe over other cultivars, we suspect it was because of its cold hardiness. Given how much more temperate Europe is generally speaking than Canada, around the Great Lakes, and other northern areas where Montmorency was first grown, it is likely that many of the other tart cherry cultivars did not survive harsher winters. Meanwhile, we have seen Montmorency growing in cuspy zone 3\/4 areas. Still not as hardy as meteor, and certainly not as hardy as Evan's Bali or the dwarf cherries, though, for Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5903\" data-end=\"5923\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6249\"\u003eThe Montmorency fruit sweetens as it ripens, but remains fairly tart for most people to eat out of hand. However, its flavor and tartness makes for spectacular dried cherries. Plant in conjunction with Danube, which is less tart (albeit still a tart cherry), and complements the Montmorency in terms of uses. Hardy to zone 3\/4, or roughly -35F (possibly -40F in protected sites).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500893442114,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500893474882,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/montmorency-tart-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020640"},{"product_id":"morden-604-apricot","title":"Morden 604 Apricot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is one of the earliest and most notable improved, ultra-hardy apricot varieties developed for the prairies. It was released in 1946 by the Agriculture Canada research facility in Morden, Manitoba, and represents a major milestone in cold-climate fruit breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is a cross between:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Scout’ – a seedling of Manchurian apricot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘McClure’ – another hardy cultivar with proven resilience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe received our first harvest in Summer 2023 in Missoula, and the flavor did not disappoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuke’s tasting notes:\u003cbr\u003e“Creamy, and very sweet. It’s too bad we only got a few this first year. Looking forward to more.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor: Creamy, sweet, and pleasant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Large fruit, averaging 4.5 cm (1¾\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor: Classic apricot tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExceptional Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is one of the most cold-hardy apricots available, with buds capable of withstanding -40°F or colder. It rivals (and possibly exceeds) the hardiness of other known cold-climate champions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie’s Gold: -41°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrookcot: -48°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWestcot: -48°F near Bemidji, MN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunrise: -50°F+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe comfortably list this as a Zone 2 apricot, although it can be feast or famine the colder you are in terms of reliably getting a crop due to the blossoms getting damaged from late Spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrafted onto: Full-size, cold-hardy Manchurian apricot rootstock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height: Up to 25 feet if left unpruned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes available: Varies by inventory (see size options when ordering)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500894556226,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133941997634,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133942030402,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500894588994,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/morden-604-apricot-in-hand.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"mount-royal-plum","title":"Mount Royal Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal plum has been a reliable European plum variety for northern growers. It is an upright to spreading tree with an open center and moderate vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light blue plums are juicy, semi-freestone, and have sweet flesh. They are excellent for fresh eating, okay for drying, and ripen in late August to early September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMount Royal has survived temperatures as low as -44°F in West Central MN and -42°F in Columbus, MT, proving its hardiness in extreme conditions. UPDATE FALL 2025: We just discovered that Mount Royal has survived and borne a consistent crop in Lodgepole, Montana at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/agresearch.montana.edu\/warc\/research_current\/msu-ext-fruit-research-sites\/lodge_pole.html\"\u003eMSU's Lodgepole Fruit Research Site,\u003c\/a\u003e where it has gotten down to sub -45F temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Mount Royal plums are grafted onto Native Plum and Prairie Red Plum, both of which are hardy to at least -50F. Native Plum is semi-dwarf in our MT climate\/soils, although we have found that there is some natural variation in size, as these plants are grown from seed. Prairie Red, meanwhile, exhibits less variation in size according to what Dan Sheild has observed at his site in MN.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500896686146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45134015365186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015397954,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015430722,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45134015463490,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.(One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45134015496258,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mount-royal-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"native-american-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Native American Plum (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Native American Plum produces fragrant, white flowers in showy, flat-topped clusters that appear before the leaves in spring. These blooms are tied with Linden for the best floral, perfumy blossom smell when in full bloom. Their scent is unreal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEdible Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit that follows ripens to a shiny, bright red in August or September. It’s great fresh (if left to ripen longer on the tree), dried, or made into preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGreat for Pollinators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tree will pollenize other Native American Plums, making it a perfect choice for creating a natural windbreak or attracting pollinators. Help support native pollinators with this addition to your landscape!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardy and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are 3–5 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull-size tree image (last photo) taken in Bozeman and courtesy of Matt Lavin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472438464578,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/native-american-plum-fruit.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"nova-raspberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Nova Raspberry (Bundle of 5)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHailing from the Nova Scotia research station in the early ’80s, Nova is a dependable raspberry that continues to bear fruit year after year—especially when older canes are pruned back regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBuilt for the Cold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNova, along with Boyne and Polana, ranks as one of the most cold-hardy red raspberries we’ve tried. Thanks to their excellent flavor and ability to withstand high, dry winds and extremely low temps, these three are the \u003cem\u003eonly\u003c\/em\u003e red raspberry varieties we’re currently offering. They’re also the go-to raspberry on the Canadian prairie, where -40°F (or colder) is the norm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e2027 Plant Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOur 2027 Nova raspberry plants are large and come with extensive root systems—ready to take off in your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472439152706,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/nova-raspberry-fruit.webp?v=1789020680"},{"product_id":"perfection-apricot","title":"Perfection Apricot","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfection\u003cspan\u003e is one of only two \u003c\/span\u003enon-seedling, non-Manchurian commercial apricot cultivars\u003cspan\u003e we're growing for \u003c\/span\u003e2025\u003cspan\u003e—the other being \u003c\/span\u003eChinese\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eWhile Perfection is not among the hardiest apricots, we've been growing it for several years now, and our earlier plantings have continued to hold up well in our Missoula climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to: Approximately -30°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIf your area experiences colder winters than this, we recommend hardier varieties like Westcot, Morden 604, or other Prairie Province apricots,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination: Best results occur when planted with Chinese \u0026amp; Wenatchee Moorpark apricots (also hardy to -30°F), as they pollenize one another effectively\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Culinary Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePerfection apricots are known for their excellent versatility in the kitchen. Ideal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFresh eating\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBaking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCanning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDrying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock: Grafted onto Lovell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent height: 5–7 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAvailable sizes: Offered in two different size options (see availability when ordering)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. regular grade (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503392919618,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger and More Branching (pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503392952386,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/perfection-apricot-on-tree.webp?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"pf-24ccoldhardy","title":"PF-24C Cold Hardy Peach","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAnother peach that is somewhat hardy—but nowhere near what many places online claim. PF-24C’s limbs naturally grow at wide angles, creating a wide-spreading tree. A highly colored red fruit that remains firm on (and off) the tree for an extended period, PF-24C also has a skin that's about 90% red over a greenish-yellow background. It has a very good acidic-sweet flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Disease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAlso great for keeping and shipping, PF-24C has good resistance to bacterial leaf spot. Self-fertile, but should be paired with Reliance or Blushingstar (if you’re in a colder area), or really any of our other peaches for a larger crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Our Ranking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePF-24C is arguably one of the most cold-hardy peaches of the commercial varieties. Based on what we’ve seen firsthand in Montana and from our customers’ feedback, here’s how we’d rank the cold hardiness of peaches:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSelected Siberian Peach varieties\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eContender\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eVeteran\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePossibly the Star series (like Risingstar, etc.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe’ve stopped listing Reliance as one of the hardier peaches because—truth be told—it’s not. That said, PF-24C can survive to the low -20F's, possibly even -30F. Zone 4b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503422476354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pf-24c-peach-on-tree.webp?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"red-gold-nectarine","title":"Red Gold Nectarine","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRed Gold is one of the most well-known and widely planted of all nectarines. A vibrant red-colored nectarine with firm and juicy freestone flesh, it stores and keeps well. As with all nectarine cultivars, Red Gold does not require cross-pollination, as it bears fruit with its own pollen. Plant with any of our other nectarines for slightly more fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAs for the flavor, Red Gold is one of the best tasting nectarines. This is Tom McCamant’s best performing taste wise from his Forbidden Fruit Orchard in Paradise, MT. His favorite nectarine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Regional Suitability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn line with all other nectarines, it should not be planted if you are in zone 4. It can survive in protected spots in Missoula, and only the absolute warmest microclimates in Montana (in good spots around Flathead Lake, warm spots along the Flathead River near Dixon\/Paradise) but will not survive in most parts of Montana. Hardy to about -27°F to maybe even -30°F but this might even be pushing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503721156674,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-gold-nectarine-on-tree.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"rescue-apple-crab","title":"Rescue Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRescue is one of those absurdly hardy applecrabs that has earned its place in orchards across Alaska and Canada for a reason—it’s cold hardy down to -60°F and reliably produces even in the toughest conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTechnically a cross between an apple and a crabapple, Rescue brings together hardiness, flavor, and early ripening, making it a perfect fit for northern growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Harvest Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe first tried it in August of 2022. Here were Luke’s taste notes from 8\/25\/22, when Rescue was ripe in Kalispell, MT (Rescue was fully ripe in Missoula on 8\/25\/25):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Sweet, rich, and distinct. Juicy and moderate acid but nice and mellow. Richly flavored but smooth.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly season harvest – great for northern climates with short growing seasons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBest eaten fresh — does not store well and turns mealy quickly if left on the tree too long\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePick slightly early for peak texture and flavor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan go mealy somewhat soon. Not a good keeper at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to -60°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThrives in even the coldest parts of Montana, Alaska, Canada, and other extreme northern regions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrafted onto Dolgo rootstock, which is also hardy to -50°F or more, making this one of the best fruiting plants to grow, even for zone 1 growers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45134511112258,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42503907901506,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42503907999810,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/rescue-applecrab-on-tree.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"rhubarb","title":"Rhubarb (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWe have two selection of cold hardy rhubarb, Canadian Red and Crimson Red. These varieties have done exceedingly well not only in western Montana where they have both survived temps between -30F and -40F, but also east of the divide where temps can dip below -40F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to -50F or more, these are both bullet proof. A bundle of 2 comes with one Canadian Red and Crimson Beauty. The crowns are very large and are going on their third year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Crimson Red: Large 3 Yr. Crowns","offer_id":42547396608066,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Canada Red: Large 3 Yr. Crowns","offer_id":42547396640834,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/rhubarb-plant-in-garden.webp?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"sparkle-strawberry-bundle-of-25","title":"Sparkle Strawberry (Bundle of 25)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSparkle is perhaps right up there with Honeoye in terms of survivability. If you're in a very cold area, grow this alongside Honeoye (Zone 2), as Sparkle is hardy to Zone 3—potentially even Zone 2 if well mulched over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eEverything else we offer is Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGreat for Jam and Freezing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSparkle isn’t the best for fresh eating, but for whatever reason, it makes \u003cem\u003efantastic\u003c\/em\u003e jam and freezes well. Some of the other varieties that taste better fresh don’t hold up in jam quite like Sparkle does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLater-Season Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eBerries are small to medium in size and come on later in the summer. Hardy to Zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlanting Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese are sold bare root. Plant with Honeoye—their blossoms will overlap, even though Honeoye fruits slightly earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440954946,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sparkle-strawberry-fruit.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"stanley-plum","title":"Stanley Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley is a classic European plum valued for its dependable productivity, versatile fruit, and adaptability across a wide range of climates. It is best known as a high-quality fresh eating plum, but also well  known as a prune plum (perhaps after Italian). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe tried Stanley for the first time from one of Doug Hawes-Davis' trees in Missoula. They are reminiscent of an Italian, although a little bit sweeter. Some growers note that they also make excellent wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile some sources list Stanley as a Zone 5 plum, our experience suggests it is better suited to Zone 4. It has survived significant early fall frosts at our nursery, including temperatures down to −10°F on October 26, 2020, indicating an ability to handle colder conditions than often reported.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our experience in western Montana, Stanley is a solid Zone 4 plum. However, if you are in an area that regularly sees temperatures below −30°F (and certainly anything colder than -35F), we recommend planting some of the hardier plums we offer instead. These include Asian × American hybrids such as Toka, Pipestone, Underwood, and Kuban Delight, as well as very hardy European plums like Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, and Mount Royal, all of which can tolerate −40°F and possibly colder when well sited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley performs best in protected locations, away from frost pockets and strong winds. Sites with nearby structures or pavement that provide additional warmth and shelter tend to be especially favorable if you are in an area that can see -30F or colder (probably wouldn't make it past -35F). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best fruit set, plant Stanley with Italian, Northern Blue, La Crescent, Ptitsin #5, or Mount Royal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are approximately 5–7 ft tall and are grafted onto Lovell full-size rootstock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938618946,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504938651714,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Lovell Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger Grade (Fiber Potted): Not for shipping","offer_id":42751572869186,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stanley-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"trailman-crab","title":"Trailman Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba and introduced in 1973, Trailman is a cold-hardy apple crab that consistently produces heavy crops of small, orange-peach-colored fruits (1–1.5” in size). It’s a cross between Trail and Osman, and one of the best-performing applecrabs we've seen for extreme northern climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDon’t let the size fool you—Trailman packs a punch:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSweet with a bold tart kick – might be a bit much for some early on, but if left to ripen longer, it mellows into a sweeter, nuttier profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHas a flavor somewhat similar to Chestnut Crab (although more flavorful and less sweet) with a nice crunch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLikely a great addition to hard cider blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvived -47°F at Ed Schultz’s orchard near Bozeman in 2024 with zero damage. Alaska Fruit Trees lists it as one of their hardiest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEstimated hardiness: -50°F to -60°F, making it ideal for extreme cold climates in zone 2 and even protected zone 1 sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRootstock Info\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are one year older and grafted onto Dolgo and Bud 118.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281236034,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42507281334338,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42507281268802,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/trailman-applecrab-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"westcot-apricot","title":"Westcot Apricot","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWestcot is another standout cold-hardy prairie variety from Manitoba, bred for tough northern climates. Like Morden 604, it’s a cross between ‘Scout’ and ‘McClure’, but was introduced later in 1982 by Agriculture Canada at Morden, MB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to: -48°F (proven in Bemidji, MN). Zone: 2. Bloom time is just before Debbie’s Gold. Second only to Sunrise (hardy to -50°F+) in terms of extreme cold resilience amongst named varieties (that we know of).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertile \u0026amp; High-Yielding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSelf-fertile, so no pollination partner is required, although greater yields may be obtained if planted with Debbie's Gold, Sungold, Morden 604, or some of the other Prairie Province apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom Bob Purvis:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Westcot is sweet (18° Brix), with yellow-orange skin, good for fresh eating and firm enough to can. Tree vigor is moderate, growth habit is irregular but can be trained with spreaders. Average production on two 9-year-old trees in SW Minnesota was 200 lb\/tree in 2010.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens in mid-July in southern Minnesota. In Missoula, it ripens anywhere from last week of July to first week of August. In Homedale, it was ripe when we filmed our \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/G06qBrYmMWU?si=lsS-T4tKwVokPG2F\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Luke Ruffner Robinson of Montana Fruit Tree Co and Bob Purvis of Purvis Nursery and Orchard get together on Bob's farm to discuss cold climate apricot growing \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCold Climate Apricot Growing with Bob Purvis\u003c\/a\u003e\" on July 8th 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet, 18° Brix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm enough for canning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow-orange\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, canning, and potentially drying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRootstock: Grafted onto cold-hardy Manchurian apricot, which can reach up to 25 feet if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42511194357826,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144385945666,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144385978434,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144477073474,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144386011202,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/westcot-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"whitney-crabapple","title":"Whitney Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is a classic edible crabapple valued for its sweet fruit, reliable flowering, and cold-climate adaptability. It produces small, attractive crabapples that are pleasant fresh and versatile for kitchen use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab produces small fruit, typically 1–2 inches in diameter, with sweet, juicy, slightly yellow flesh. While we have not personally used it for cider, some sources report it performs well for canning, preserving, pickling, spicing, and cider. Albemarle Ciderworks notes that Whitney Crab averages 11.39% sugar, which can ferment to 5%+ alcohol in cider production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlossoms \u0026amp; Ornamental Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlossoms are pinkish white and bloom reliably each year. While the foliage is not as dramatic as Red Splendor, Whitney Crab is noted for more consistent annual flowering, making it dependable for both fruiting and pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eself-fertile and also serves as an effective pollenizer for other apples and crabapples with overlapping bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Disease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is \u003cstrong\u003ecold-hardy to Zone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eheat-tolerant\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003escab-resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e. Fruit typically ripens in \u003cstrong\u003elate August to early September\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a dependable option for colder climates with shorter growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Kolforn\"\u003eKolforn\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-3 ft. bud grafts on one year older rootstock","offer_id":42511198978114,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/whitney-crabapple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"dr-606-apricot","title":"Dr 606 Apricot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 Apricot is a cold-climate apricot selection originating from British Columbia and associated with long-term evaluation by fruit growing legend Bob Purvis, from whom we obtained scionwood for grafting these trees. It is valued for its late bloom, very late ripening, and solid winter survival in northern growing regions. While clearly hardy, Dr. 606 is generally considered less extreme in cold tolerance than the prairie province apricots, which were selected under harsher continental conditions. Instead, Dr. 606 occupies a middle ground: tougher than most commercial apricots, but not as bulletproof as the hardiest prairie selections, but it’s best quality is that it is later blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 forms an upright to spreading tree with low to moderate vigor. Growth is balanced rather than aggressive, allowing the tree to develop a strong framework without excessive vegetative growth. On standard rootstock, which is the case here as we have grafted these onto Manchurian apricot, trees should be spaced approximately 15 feet apart to allow for adequate light penetration and airflow. The moderate vigor makes it easier to manage with pruning and well suited to mixed orchards and diversified plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of Dr. 606 is medium sized, orange, very firm, and sweet. The firmness gives it excellent eating quality when chilled and makes it especially enjoyable with cold desserts. Ripening is very late for an apricot, typically mid-August in central Washington, or about a week after Harlayne, extending the apricot season beyond most cold-hardy cultivars. The fruit is best suited for fresh eating and simple dessert use rather than early-season processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 has demonstrated winter survival to at least −34°F in southwestern Minnesota. While this places it solidly among cold-hardy apricots, it is likely not as hardy as the prairie province apricots, (Westcot, Debbie's Gold, Brookcot, Morden 604, etc.) which were bred and selected under more severe winter conditions. Dr. 606 is best considered a USDA Hardiness Zone 3b apricot, and while it may succeed in favorable Zone 3a microclimates, it should not be relied upon as a true 3a cultivar. That said, its later-blooming habit significantly improves reliability by reducing exposure to spring frost events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Fruit Set\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 is self-fruitful and capable of setting fruit on its own. However, as with many self-fertile apricots, fruit set may be improved and stabilized by planting with other late-flowering apricots. Suitable companions include cultivars such as Precious and Zard, which bloom on a similar schedule and can enhance cross-pollination during marginal spring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are older and were grafted onto the hardy Manchurian apricot in 2025. Going on their third year (rootstock fourth year).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":42499027697730,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dr-606-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"sungold-apricot","title":"Sungold Apricot","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4906\" data-end=\"4920\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4921\" data-end=\"5312\"\u003eSungold is a University of Minnesota apricot cultivar introduced in 1960. Although UMN only released one other apricot (Moongold), its genetic pedigree, which consists of some Siberian apricot, is still worthy of growing in places that see even -40F temps. Up there with some of the Prairie Province apricots (Westcot, Morden 604, Debbie's Gold, etc.) in terms of hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4921\" data-end=\"5312\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Sungold’ was developed at the University of Minnesota Fruit Breeding Farm as part of a cold-hardy apricot breeding program aimed at extending apricot production into northern climates. In \u003ca href=\"\u0026amp;nbsp;https:\/\/conservancy.umn.edu\/bitstreams\/9c684c14-7509-4b78-a803-0bf01a64aa28\/download)\"\u003eUMN’s 1960 Bulletin\u003c\/a\u003e, ‘Sungold’ is Minnesota No. 36, derived from a controlled cross of ‘Superb’ × ‘Manchu,’ and it was officially named in 1960.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\u0026amp;nbsp;https:\/\/conservancy.umn.edu\/bitstreams\/9c684c14-7509-4b78-a803-0bf01a64aa28\/download)\"\u003eThat same UMN bulletin\u003c\/a\u003e lists that the \u003cem\u003eManchu\u003c\/em\u003e parent is described as \u003cem\u003ePrunus sibirica\u003c\/em\u003e (a Siberian apricot source) obtained via South Dakota State College from seed collected in Northern Manchuria by famed cold climate fruit breeder N.E. Hansen, although in this Journal of the American Pomological Society, they describe Manchu parent as a a \"seedling selection of a Manchurian species collected by N. E. Hansen\" and do not list Siberian apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/journal.americanpomological.org\/index.php\/jofaps\/article\/view\/427?articlesBySameAuthorPage=7)\"\u003ea 1961 article\u003c\/a\u003e in the \u003cem\u003eJournal of the American Pomological Society\u003c\/em\u003e similarly describes the \u003cem\u003eManchu\u003c\/em\u003e parent as “a seedling selection of a Manchurian species collected by N. E. Hansen.\" So whether Manchu is of Siberian of Manchurian apricot lineage we are unsure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5665\" data-end=\"5683\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5684\" data-end=\"6066\"\u003eThe fruit is fair for fresh eating and good for preserves and sauces. The fact that it can survive more extreme temps makes it still a useful apricot in the cold climate oRichard, although relative to other Prairie Province apricots, the fruit quality is not as good. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6068\" data-end=\"6086\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6087\" data-end=\"6348\"\u003eSungold has an upright growth habit. Because it is grafted to full-size Manchurian apricot rootstock, Sungold should be planned as a standard-sized apricot tree over time, and spaced about 15 ft apart. If you want a larger canopy or more equipment\/mowing room, plant wider; if you intend to manage size aggressively, you may plant closer with the expectation of more pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6850\" data-end=\"6867\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6868\" data-end=\"7184\"\u003eNot self-fertile and would require some of our other Prairie Province apricots, such as Westcot, Morden 604, Debbie's Gold, (among others) or Manchurian for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"7186\" data-end=\"7206\"\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7207\" data-end=\"7938\"\u003eSungold’s cold-climate reputation is tied to its University of Minnesota breeding background and long history in northern plantings. Sungold saw little to no winter injury when exposed to -35°F on Bruce Benson's farm in Missoula during the 1980's. That same mother tree, from which we collected cuttings to graft these trees, has been thriving ever since. It is at least hardy to -40F. Solid zone 3a apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42505022734402,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":42505022799938,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sungold-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021110"},{"product_id":"debbies-gold-apricot","title":"Debbie's Gold Apricot","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"199\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold Apricot is a cold-climate apricot originating from the Canadian prairies, where it was selected for its ability to survive harsh winters while still producing high-quality fruit. It has earned a strong reputation among northern growers as one of the better-flavored hardy apricots for areas where apricots are often considered marginal. Still blooms fairly early, so this part it always a risk in the Spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing (Manchurian Rootstock)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003eOur Debbie's Gold are all grafted onto Manchurian apricot rootstock. Debbie’s Gold grows as a vigorous, upright to spreading tree with good structural strength and anchorage. Manchurian rootstock is equally cold hardy (-50F) and adaptable to our dry, alkaline soils. Trees should be spaced approximately 15 ft. apart (or more for less dense spacing). With pruning, size can be managed, but this is not a dwarf tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1138\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold produces medium-sized, golden-yellow apricots with firm, sweet flesh. The fruit is well suited for fresh eating, drying, canning, preserves, sauces, and desserts. While we did not have the opportunity to taste Debbie’s Gold specifically in our video, its reputation for flavor aligns closely with the types of hardy apricots we discussed in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1582\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G06qBrYmMWU\"\u003eCold Climate Fruit Growing with Bob Purvis\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-i9agxugi.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where fruit quality, genetics, and cold adaptation are explored in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie's Gold is at least partially self-fertile, like most apricots, although fruit set\/productivity will be higher if planted with any of our other Prairie Province apricots, such as Westcot and Morden 604, as well as Manchurian, Precious and Zard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1681\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"2074\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold is generally considered hardy to Zone 3, and possibly even zone 2, having withstood temps into the -40Fs. Both the wood and buds have shown good tolerance to severe winter temperatures typical of prairie and northern mountain climates. Like many hardy apricots, it tends to shut down earlier in fall than tender varieties, which helps reduce winter injury and improves survival in regions with early cold snaps and long winters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 3-5 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020456002,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634097218,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020521538,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634129986,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125634162754,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/debbies-gold-apricot-in-hand.jpg?v=1789019844"},{"product_id":"veteran-peach","title":"Veteran Peach","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is one of the hardier commercial varieties of peaches, and is known for reliable crops, later blooming (helpful for dodging spring frosts), and flavorful yellow freestone fruit when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is a Canadian peach developed at Vineland, Ontario and widely reported as being introduced in 1928. \u003cbr\u003eMultiple nursery and catalog references report its parentage as Vaughn × Early Elberta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran produces medium to large peaches with yellow flesh and good classic peach flavor. Freestone when fully ripe. The flavor in Missoula is sweet and tangy, but with an intense peach aroma, especially when picked tree ripened. Somewhat similar in flavor to Contender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is vigorous and productive. These are grafted onto Prairie Red plum rootstock, which will produce a more semi-dwarf peach at around 15 ft depending on depth of soils and climate. Possibly closer to 20 ft. in really deep soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran is self-fruitful (self-fertile), like most peach cultivars, meaning a single tree can set fruit on its own. That said, an additional peach planted nearby, ideally Contender, can improve fruit set. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVeteran withstood -26°F from a polar front that hit on 1\/13\/24 at our friend Kate Wilburn's house in Missoula. Luke actually planted this tree back in 2018. It was grafted onto Lovell peach rootstock, and the tree is currently about 15 ft. tall. Something interesting happened that following Spring after that polar front. We took scionwood cuttings for bench grafting and weirdly enough, none the wood was good. The cells of the shoots (from the previous year) were all damaged. This was in March. However, the tree budded out that Spring as though nothing had happened. The flower buds were all badly damaged and it didn't set fruit that year. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly not as hardy as Siberian C peach (the hardiest in our experience). Veteran is probably second to only Contender in terms of hardiness of the named varieties. Contender is hardy to -32F in our experience, whereas Veteran may trail this slightly (this is simply conjecture based on field observations), but it is unlikely that it is hardier than Contender. Buzz Ferver indicates Veteran has been hardier than Contender but this has not been our experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople often ask about Reliance, which is not as hardy in our experience as many claim (we've seen more dead Reliance than we can count on our hands and feet, (and other people's hands and feet). That said, Tom McCamant, who has been growing Reliance, Contender, Veteran, and many other varieties in a warm microclimate in Paradise, MT, argues Reliance is the hardiest in terms of mid-winter hardiness, but is perhaps the least hardy in terms of Fall hardiness. And I'd argue many of the dead Reliance's we have seen were planted within a year or two of when MT experienced brutal Fall flash frosts in October (2019 and 2020) in which we hit subzero at the end of Oct. 2019, and Missoula saw -10F on 10\/25\/2020. Had these trees been bigger and more established (regardless of cultural practices\/tapering off water in the Fall), perhaps Reliance could have survived these. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42508249727042,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/veteran-peach-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"ure-pear","title":"Ure Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUre is a prairie-proven, ultra-cold-hardy pear grown primarily for reliability in harsh climates, with small “Bartlett-type” fruit that can be genuinely enjoyable when picked mature and ripened off the tree. \\\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUre was introduced by the Morden, Manitoba Research Station in 1978.\u003cbr\u003eIn the Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association write-up, Ure is explicitly described as an interspecific cross of \u003cem\u003ePyrus ussuriensis\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003ePyrus communis\u003c\/em\u003e, and it notes the cultivar was named after Frank Ure, a Canadian pear breeder. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apfga.org\/hardy-pears-comments-and-observations\/\" title=\"HARDY PEARS – COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS – Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\"\u003eAlaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is relatively small (about 2–2½ inches diameter), nearly round, thin-skinned, with good flavor, no astringency, and a smooth texture on tasted samples. \u003cbr\u003eUniversity of Minnesota Extension describes Ure as producing small “Bartlett-type” fruit with good flavor and lists harvest around mid-August in their recommendations for northern gardens. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/fruit\/growing-pears\" title=\"Growing pears in the home garden | UMN Extension\"\u003eUniversity of Minnesota Extension\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003ePractically: Ure is best treated as an early pear you pick firm and ripen off-tree for best eating quality (and it’s also very serviceable for canning\/cooking). (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/fruit\/growing-pears\" title=\"Growing pears in the home garden | UMN Extension\"\u003eUniversity of Minnesota Extension\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUre is a smaller tree (to ~15 feet), however, given that we offer it on full size Ussurian pear rootstock, which generally pushes trees toward a larger, more vigorous, standard form the best way to reconcile this: expect Ure to be “moderate-sized for a hardy pear,” but don’t plan on it behaving like a tight semi-dwarf just because the cultivar can be compact in some settings. A safe long-term spacing band for Ure on Ussurian rootstock is about 16–20 feet (closer if you’ll prune annually to keep the canopy narrow, wider on rich soils or if you want minimal pruning).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUMN Extension states that in areas too cold for other pears, Ure can be grown with Golden Spice for pollen. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/extension.umn.edu\/fruit\/growing-pears\" title=\"Growing pears in the home garden | UMN Extension\"\u003eUniversity of Minnesota Extension\u003c\/a\u003e), although Summercrisp is also a known pollenizer for Ure as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe APFGA notes report that Clair Lammers had good survival of -46°F with his Ure in Fairbanks during the winter of 1989–90. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apfga.org\/hardy-pears-comments-and-observations\/\" title=\"HARDY PEARS – COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS – Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\"\u003eAlaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003eSeparately, multiple nursery references rate Ure around -40°F (or roughly zone-3 class hardiness), but those are best treated as generalized ratings rather than a single verified event record. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thetreefarm.com\/pear-ure\" title=\"Pear, Ure\"\u003ethetreefarm.com\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo the best evidence-based way to say it is: Ure has at least one documented report of surviving -46°F, and it is widely treated in cold-climate guidance as one of the hardiest named pears commonly available that doesn't come from the South Ural Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apfga.org\/hardy-pears-comments-and-observations\/\" title=\"HARDY PEARS – COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS – Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\"\u003eAlaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45143677829186,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42508244877378,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ure-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"bolshaya-pear","title":"Bolshaya Pear","description":"\u003cp\u003eBolshaya is one of our newest introductions. Given that we do not have experience growing it, and that it is hard to find original info on this pear in the U.S., we have translated from this \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%86%D1%8B13.%D1%80%D1%84\/product\/grusha-bolshaya\/\"\u003eRussian site here\u003c\/a\u003e, and put it in our own words (without altering any of the information). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigins\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya is a modern Russian cultivar originating from the \u003cstrong\u003eSouth Ural Research Institute of Fruit, Vegetable, and Potato Growing (UNIPOK)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It was bred by \u003cstrong\u003eE. E. Falkenberg, A. Mazunin, and L. I. Bolotina\u003c\/strong\u003e, selected from a cross between \u003cstrong\u003eUssurian pear seedlings and the Havisel variety\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its original breeding form was designated \u003cstrong\u003e105-4-75\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is vigorous, forming a \u003cstrong\u003elarge, wide-spreading crown\u003c\/strong\u003e. Productivity is described as \u003cstrong\u003econsistently high\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruits are \u003cstrong\u003eround-shaped\u003c\/strong\u003e, ripening to a \u003cstrong\u003elight yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e with a \u003cstrong\u003esoft, light blush\u003c\/strong\u003e. Average fruit size ranges from \u003cstrong\u003e90–115 g\u003c\/strong\u003e, with larger specimens reaching \u003cstrong\u003eup to 145 g\u003c\/strong\u003e. The variety shows \u003cstrong\u003eno susceptibility to scab\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipening occurs in the \u003cstrong\u003efirst half of September\u003c\/strong\u003e, and fruits store for \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately three weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e under normal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flesh is \u003cstrong\u003ewhite, very juicy\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a \u003cstrong\u003ethin, nearly imperceptible skin\u003c\/strong\u003e. When allowed to \u003cstrong\u003efully ripen on the tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, Bolshaya is considered a \u003cstrong\u003etrue dessert pear\u003c\/strong\u003e, rated \u003cstrong\u003e4.7–4.9 points\u003c\/strong\u003e (our of 5) by UNIPOK tasters. At full maturity it develops an \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent, sweet, harmonious flavor with a strong, pleasant pear aroma\u003c\/strong\u003e; granulation is \u003cstrong\u003eminimal to nonexistent\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant maturity note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf harvested at \"removable maturity\"—\u003cem\u003eearly yellowing but not fully ripe\u003c\/em\u003e—the flavor is described as \u003cstrong\u003emediocre\u003c\/strong\u003e, rated only \u003cstrong\u003e3.7–4.2\u003c\/strong\u003e due to a persistent \u003cstrong\u003etart firmness\u003c\/strong\u003e that does not dissipate in storage. Maximum quality is achieved \u003cstrong\u003eonly when left to ripen completely on the tree\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolshaya responds noticeably to \u003cstrong\u003eadequate irrigation\u003c\/strong\u003e. Under moisture stress, the fruits become \u003cstrong\u003edry\u003c\/strong\u003e and lose their characteristic juiciness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverall Assessment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to evaluations from UNIPOK, Bolshaya holds \u003cstrong\u003ethe highest flavor rating of any pear variety ever bred in the Southern Urals\u003c\/strong\u003e, provided it is allowed to ripen fully on the tree. Its combination of winter hardiness, productivity, dessert quality, and aromatic character make it one of the standout pears of its breeding region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have data in Montana on how Bolshaya has done here (see below). We'll first list what the Russian site says and then explain how the tree has done on a site in Bozeman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRussian website\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter hardiness is considered quite high—higher than Krasulya and Raduzhnaya (Rainbow), but slightly below Uralochka and Krasnobokaya—placing it firmly among the reliable cold-climate pears of the Southern Urals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing in Montana\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe obtained cuttings from Les McCartney (Bozeman, MT) in spring 2025, and these trees originate from those grafts and newer ones (see grades). Les grows Bolshaya on the valley floor, where his tree has withstood temperatures near –45°F without any winter injury. Given both its Russian breeding background and its performance in Montana, Bolshaya can confidently be considered a solid Zone 2 pear.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 2-3 ft.","offer_id":45124871225410,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124871258178,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124871290946,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124871323714,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Pyrus ussuriensis Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45124871356482,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bolshaya-pear-fruit-cut.webp?v=1789019221"},{"product_id":"vekovaya-pear","title":"Vekovaya Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction and Research Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) is a new pear cultivar for us. Because we are still in the early stages of evaluating this cultivar ourselves—and because there is very little high-quality information available in English—we conducted a targeted review of pomological research literature and translated key passages directly from Russian into English. The description below is synthesized exclusively from these primary sources:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlodovodstvo i vinogradarstvo Yuga Rossii\u003c\/em\u003e (2021) – \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/journalkubansad.ru\/get\/1203\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eContemporary Horticulture\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) – (\u003ca title=\"DOI: 10.24411\/2312-6701-2019-10301\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\/pdf\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале” (2011) – (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ” (2023) – (\u003ca title=\"СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СОРТИМЕНТА ГРУШИ НА ЮЖНОМ УРАЛЕ – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVNIISPK variety entry: “Груша, Сорт Вековая” – (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe description that follows reflects only what is reported in those sources, without extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVekovaya (Вековая) Pear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearch–Based Description (translated from Russian sources listed above)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and Breeding Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVekovaya is a South Ural–bred pear cultivar. In a South Ural breeding summary, Vekovaya is reported as having been created using a high-winter-hardiness\/scab-resistance donor (Ussurian pear hybrid No. 41-15-9) in combination with “elite 143” (“Вековая (с элитой 143)”). (\u003ca title=\"Итоги селекции груши на Южном Урале – тема научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству читайте бесплатно текст научно-исследовательской работы в электронной библиотеке КиберЛенинка\" href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/itogi-selektsii-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003eКиберЛенинка\u003c\/a\u003e) The VNIISPK national cultivar register gives a different parentage for Vekovaya, stating it was 'получен от скрещивания сортов Сюрприз и Повислая' (obtained by crossing the cultivars Syurpriz and Povislaya). We are recording both, since the South Ural breeding summary and the national register do not agree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Period and Keeping Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn trial descriptions, Vekovaya is described as an autumn pear. Fruit maturity is reported as late August to early September, with stated keeping quality up to 45 days.\u003cbr\u003eA separate institutional cultivar entry reports fruit ripening late August–early September and storage up to 1.5 months. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as a medium-sized, compact tree with a rounded crown, highly winter-hardy, and entering bearing in the 4th–5th year.\u003cbr\u003eThe VNIISPK cultivar entry states the cultivar is sufficiently winter-hardy in the Chelyabinsk region; in winter 2010 at −40°C (−40°F), freezing damage was reported up to 1.0 point, and the cultivar is described as having high recovery ability. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProductivity and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a long-term ecological adaptability study conducted in the Southern Urals, Vekovaya was the highest-yielding pear among the cultivars tested. Average production was reported at 15.5 metric tons per hectare, which translates to about 13,800 pounds of fruit per acre. Researchers described the variety as well adapted and reliable across different growing conditions, meaning it both responds well when conditions are good and remains productive when conditions are less ideal. Over a five-year period, Vekovaya showed an adaptability rating of 132%, indicating above-average performance compared to other tested cultivars.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eEcological plasticity of pear cultivars in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2019), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/ekologicheskaya-plastichnost-sortov-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a separate South Ural study summarizing results from 2019–2022, Vekovaya produced an average of 28.9 kilograms per tree, or roughly 64 pounds of fruit per tree. That same study reported even higher field-scale productivity of 17.8 metric tons per hectare, equivalent to about 15,900 pounds per acre, reinforcing Vekovaya’s reputation in Russian research as a consistently high-yielding pear.\u003cbr\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eImprovement of the pear assortment in the Southern Urals\u003c\/em\u003e (2023), CyberLeninka\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya fruit are reported as 130–240 g each (~1\/4 lb to 1\/2 lb per pear), pear-shaped, yellow, with characteristic red and gray dots, and sometimes an intense pink blush. Flesh is described as white, tender, very juicy, sweet-sour, with a tasting score reported as 4.4–4.6 points, which translates to \"Very good to excellent dessert pear\". The VNIISPK cultivar entry describes the flesh as white, dense, tender, fine-grained, sour-sweet with a moderate aroma, and notes use primarily fresh and for juice, compotes, and dried fruit. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease and Pest Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, scab was not observed, and resistance to pear gall mite and bacterial fire blight is described as high.\u003cbr\u003eIt is also described there as high resistance to scab and pear gall mite. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Krasnodar evaluation paper, Vekovaya is described as self-sterile and requiring pollenizers.\u003cbr\u003eMany of the pears that the VNIISPK cultivar entry lists recommends as pollenizers for Vekovaya we do not offer, with the exception of Larinskaya. (\u003ca title=\"Груша, Сорт Вековая - ФГБНУ ВНИИСПК\" href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003eVNIISPK\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Russian pomological literature, Vekovaya is consistently described as a highly winter-hardy pear, bred specifically for severe continental climates. In South Ural trials, the cultivar demonstrated strong tolerance to extreme cold. During the winter of 2010, when air temperatures reached −40 °C (−40 °F), observed freezing damage on Vekovaya trees was reported as no more than 1.0 point, which in Russian evaluations indicates very minor injury with no meaningful impact on tree survival or recovery. Researchers also noted the cultivar’s high regenerative (recovery) capacity following winter stress, meaning trees were able to resume normal growth and fruiting after extreme cold events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn broader South Ural breeding and assortment studies, Vekovaya is grouped with locally developed pears selected for long-term durability, winter survival, and stable productivity under harsh conditions. Its parentage includes Ussurian-derived material, which is commonly used in Russian breeding programs specifically to confer exceptional cold hardiness and resilience. Collectively, these findings position Vekovaya as a pear cultivar well adapted areas where winter minimums approach −40 °F. And given its success in Les McCartney's orchard in Bozeman, MT, where winters have been -45 °F, and his Vekovaya trees had no to very little winter injury, Vekovaya is likely hardy to zone 2b and even 2a, with possibly some winter injury. Good for much of Montana, even many areas east of the divide. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42508246843458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45143804018754,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45143804051522,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Pear Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45143804084290,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/vekovaya-pear-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021308"},{"product_id":"larinskaya-pear","title":"Larinskaya Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya (Ларинская) is a South Ural Russian pear and one of the core Russian cultivars we currently offer. Like all of our Russian pears, Larinskaya has been grown successfully by Les McCartney in Bozeman, Montana, where these pears have survived unscathed after experiencing winter temperatures approaching −45°F. Based on both Russian research and Montana field experience, Larinskaya and the other Russian pears we are currently growing are hardy to at least USDA Zone 2b (−45°F) with little to no winter injury. They are likely capable of surviving down to −50°F, though some winter injury should be expected at those extremes; importantly, damage would likely not extend to the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause there is limited high-quality information available in English, the description below was created by translating and synthesizing primary Russian pomological literature and official cultivar documentation. Technical language has been translated into plain English, and all metric values have been converted into U.S. units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrimary sources:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVNIISPK cultivar entry: \u003cem\u003e“Груша, Сорт Ларинская”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vniispk.ru\/varieties\/%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Совершенствование сортимента груши на Южном Урале”\u003c\/em\u003e (South Ural Research Institute synthesis, 2023)\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\"\u003ehttps:\/\/cyberleninka.ru\/article\/n\/sovershenstvovanie-sortimenta-grushi-na-yuzhnom-urale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe description that follows reflects only what is reported in those sources, without extrapolation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLarinskaya (Ларинская) Pear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSouth Ural Research–Based Description\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and Breeding Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is an autumn-ripening pear bred at the South Ural Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing. It was developed by crossing a Ussurian pear seedling (41-15-9) with Clapp’s Favorite, combining extreme cold hardiness with improved eating quality. The cultivar is officially zoned for the Ural region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRipening Period and Keeping Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya ripens in early September (approximately September 5–10 in South Ural conditions). Fruit can be stored until early November, giving a storage life of about 60 days, which is relatively long for a cold-hardy pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are large and vigorous, reaching around 20 feet tall at maturity, with a moderately dense, irregular crown. On Ussurian seedling rootstock, trees typically begin bearing around year five.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProductivity and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is described as consistently productive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature trees (around 10 years old) produced up to 46 kg per tree, or about 101 pounds per tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn South Ural trials from 2019–2022, average production was 18 kg per tree (about 40 pounds).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrchard-scale yield was reported at 11.1 t\/ha, which converts to roughly 9,900 pounds per acre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruits are medium-sized, typically 110 g, with a maximum around 140 g (3.9–4.9 oz). Shape is short pear-shaped, often slightly uneven. Skin is green at harvest, turning light yellow when ripe, with many small gray dots. Flesh is cream-colored, dense, and juicy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor and Eating Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya received a tasting score of 4.5 points on the standard Russian 5-point pomological scale, placing it in the “very good” dessert category for cold-hardy pears. In plain terms, Russian researchers consider this a pear that is genuinely good to eat, not just hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSugar and Acid Balance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis reported:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13.8% soluble solids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9.7% sugars\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e0.8% titratable acids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranslated into everyday language, this indicates a pear with real sweetness, balanced by enough acidity to keep the flavor bright, rather than bland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarinskaya is not self-fertile. Recommended pollenizers we have available are Krazulya, Vekovaya, and to a lesser extent, although would still work, Krasnobokaya.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Hardiness and Cold Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussian research classifies Larinskaya as highly winter-hardy. In South Ural field trials, winters reaching approximately −40°F resulted in low levels of tissue damage, with good recovery and no structural failure. Combined with long-term success in Bozeman, Montana, this supports Larinskaya’s reputation as a reliable pear for extreme cold climates, suitable for Zone 2–3 growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease and Pest Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver multiple years of observation, Russian sources report no significant damage from pear scab or pear gall mite, and Larinskaya is described as resistant to bacterial fire blight, making it well suited to low-input and organic systems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 2-3 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45133798604866,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Ussurian Full Size: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42500395302978,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/larinskaya-pear-fruit.png?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"seckel-pear","title":"Seckel Pear","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is the classic “sugar pear”: very small fruit, intensely sweet, richly aromatic flesh, and a long-standing reputation as one of the best-flavored dessert pears ever grown in North America. It has been celebrated in American horticulture for more than two centuries and remains especially compelling for growers who prioritize flavor over fruit size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is an American pear discovered as a chance seedling near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (late 1700s to early 1800s depending on the source), and it became known under the name “Seckel” after the person\/farm associated with its early propagation and distribution. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExact parentage has never been proven. There is no confirmed, recorded cross for Seckel, and reputable references continue to describe it as a wild or chance seedling rather than a deliberate breeding result. In other words, any specific parentage claim would be speculation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, Seckel’s reputation traveled fast because its eating quality was considered exceptional even compared to famous European pears. It was grown at Monticello, and the variety’s long-running cultural footprint is part of why it’s still referred to as “Philadelphia’s pear” in regional horticulture circles. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel fruit is notably small, often “snack-sized,” but dense with sugar and aroma. The pears are consistently buttery, melting flesh and have a distinctive spicy flavor when properly ripened. Deliciously sweet. It ripens in last week of September in Missoula, and the skin is a dull yellowish-brown with russeting and a red cheek or blush. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is best known as a dessert pear for fresh eating at peak ripeness, but its small size and high sugar also make it excellent for preserves, spiced pears, and pickling. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is commonly characterized as vigorous and productive, with an upright-to-spreading habit, and it is often described as relatively small or compact compared with many European pear standards (rootstock and training will still strongly control final size). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne reason Seckel remains important to growers is that it’s repeatedly noted as having better fire blight resistance than many traditional European pears, which is also why it has been used and referenced in breeding and selection conversations around disease resilience. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Seckel on two root systems: OHxF 87 semi-dwarf and Pyrus communis full size. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn OHxF 87, we recommend 15 feet between trees as a practical baseline. For tighter plantings, 12 feet can work with disciplined pruning and training. For wider spacing, 18 feet is appropriate on more fertile sites, with less pruning intensity, or where you want larger canopies. (These are spacing targets for in-row distances; row spacing is typically wider to accommodate equipment and mature canopy width.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Pyrus communis full-size, spacing needs to be wider than OHxF 87. A practical baseline is roughly 18–22 feet between trees (and wider where vigor is high), because full-size pears will ultimately occupy substantially more canopy volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is not reliably self-fertile in a way you should bank on for consistent cropping. Many references describe it as at least partially self-fertile, but also emphasize better production with a compatible pollenizer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel is a European pear (Pyrus communis) and should be pollenized with another Pyrus communis cultivar that blooms at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne important compatibility note that shows up in nursery guidance is that Bartlett is commonly listed as a poor or incompatible match for Seckel as a pollenizer (including explicit “do not pair” guidance). Because we offer Bartlett types in our pear lineup, we do not recommend relying on Bartlett or its sports (i.e. Red Sensation Bartlett) as the primary pollenizer for Seckel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe carry a broad range of other European pears that can serve as pollenizers for Seckel, such as Flemish Beauty, Stuttgarter Gaishirtle, Ubileen, Giffard, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many places cite Seckel as hardy to zone 5-8, it is hardier than zone 5 for certain. Seckel has been surviving in the Bitterroot Valley for decades, including in Hamilton where winter lows have approached −38°F. There are also reported sightings near Great Falls, particularly Highwood (roughly 30 miles east of Great Falls). While the particular tree in Highwood is positioned somewhat above the valley floor, winter lows in that area can still approach −40°F. At the minimum, we would rate Seckel a solid zone 3b pear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeckel has an exceptional flavor. It is on of those pears that is repeatedly singled out for dessert quality, and it’s one of the few pears that routinely gets described as excellent rather than merely “good.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisease-wise, Seckel has better-than-average fire blight resistance among European pears, which is a major reason growers keep coming back to it even when larger-fruited pears exist. That said, it should still be managed like any pear in a fire blight region: avoid excessive nitrogen, push balanced growth, prune thoughtfully, and remove strikes promptly if they occur.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"OHxF 87 Semi-Dwarf: 5-6 ft. 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